Public Transport in Salzburg: 2026 Guide to Buses, Trolleybuses & Free Guest Tickets

Using the Salzburg Verkehr App for Schedules & Mobile Tickets
Salzburg’s public transport system is efficient, clean, and easy to navigate. While the city does not have an underground or tram network, its extensive fleet of buses and trolleybuses (locally called "Obus") covers every corner of the city and its surrounding districts.
Each line is clearly numbered, making navigation simple. Trolleybuses handle the majority of city routes, while standard buses often extend into the scenic outskirts. Because Salzburg is compact, most journeys take less than one hour.
The Free Guest Mobility Ticket
If you are staying at a hotel within Salzburg City, you are likely eligible for a Guest Mobility Ticket. This grant allows you free access to public transportation throughout Salzburg City and the wider Salzburg Land region for the duration of your stay.
Pro Tip: Always ask your hotel reception for your ticket upon check-in.
Best Way to Navigate: The Salzburg Verkehr App
For real-time schedules and easy mobile ticketing, download the Salzburg Verkehr App (available on Google Play and the App Store). It is the most reliable way to plan your route and purchase digital tickets on the go.
Salzburg Bus Ticket Prices and Purchase Options (2026)
As of 2026, tickets can no longer be purchased from the driver on any city lines. You must secure your ticket before boarding to avoid heavy fines.
- Ticket Vending Machines: Located at major bus stops. A single trip costs €2.60, and a 24-hour city pass is €5.20.
- Tobacco Shops (Trafik): You can find discounted rates here, but tickets are sold only in blocks of five. A block of five single-trip tickets costs €12.50 (€2.50 per trip), while a block of five 24-hour passes costs €24.50 (€4.90 per day).
- The Salzburg Verkehr App: This is the most convenient method for 2026. Download the app to buy digital tickets instantly and access real-time departure boards.
Validation & Fines: Tickets purchased from vending machines or tobacco shops must be validated (stamped) immediately upon boarding. Ticket inspections are frequent; traveling without a validated ticket results in a €85 fine.
Specialized Free Travel Options
- Event Tickets: Valid tickets for concerts, music festivals, football, or ice hockey matches include free transport two hours before and after the event.
- Children: Children under 6 travel for free on all public buses.
- Salzburg Card: If you hold a Salzburg Tourist Card, public transport is included. Ensure you write the date and time of first use on the card before your first journey.
Regional Connections & Hubs
- S-Bahn: This local train network connects the city center to suburbs and German border towns like Freilassing and Berchtesgaden.
- Postbus: These regional buses serve rural areas. The central terminus is located at Salzburg Main Station (Hauptbahnhof).
- Central Hubs: Most city lines intersect at Mirabellplatz or Ferdinand-Hanusch-Platz, making these the best spots for transfers.
Tags: Salzburg Tourist Card, Taxi - Transfer in Salzburg, Sightseeing transfers to Munich and Vienna